Corn on the Cob--Raw?

Yes, that's raw corn. And yes, I nibbled some off the top. Weird, right?

Not if you grew up on a farm, apparently. I started eating raw corn about a year ago. A farmer at the farmers market was shouting that he had the freshest corn anyone had ever tasted, picked just a few hours ago. I bought some, and he jokingly said he would only sell it to me if I promised to shuck one and start eating it on the spot. I asked him if he was for real, and he promised I wouldn't regret it. And I didn't!

Farm fresh corn is sweet and delicate, perfect for eating as a fruit. Once the corn has been off the stalk for awhile, the starches break down and it takes on a grassy, astringent flavor. That's what gives you that feeling like you're eating unripe bananas. Older corn is also more chewy. But if you're lucky enough to find someone who will promise you that the corn was picked less than 24 hours ago, take a bite!